“[…] Our teacher pinned our small flags on our blouses and we had to hold hands with each other. We then walked clockwise around the school. “Every child had to recite one line of the national anthem. We then had to jump up in the air and, when landing on our feet, shout loudly: …
Read More »Dear Editor: T&T’s celebrates 60 years of “Independence”—but are we truly independent?
“[…] It is quite an accomplishment to celebrate a 60th anniversary but can we as a people truly say that we have all really enjoyed the benefits of being an independent nation? “There are many positive achievements, most of which can be ascribed to our sportsmen and women, our cultural …
Read More »Vaneisa: Suffering for silence, with missing fireworks legislation and EMA inactivity
Nearly 80 per cent of the people responding to a survey done by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) said fireworks affected them negatively. Without knowing the extent of the survey, it is still a large and significant proportion. Another of their surveys said the majority of the animals affected (60 …
Read More »Dear Editor: Please Prime Minister, include prisoners’ art in Independence art exhibition
“[…] I saw recently, via our local news media, the paintings done by some of our prisoners, and I was, indeed, very impressed by what I saw. “[…] The display of the paintings done by our prisoners at the Independence art exhibition would go a long way towards giving effect …
Read More »Demming: Independence 2021: another opportunity missed
I have a vivid childhood memory of standing on the pavement with my friends waving our little flags to mark the end of colonialism and the start of Independence. Annually, I walked from my home in Quarry Street to the Queen’s Park Savannah to enjoy the military-style Independence Parade. Later …
Read More »MSJ: Let’s stop trying to change the party in power and try changing the political arrangements
On the occasion of the 59th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, political leader of the Movement for Social Justice David Abdulah is calling on citizens and patriots to embrace the vision of the Second Republic offered by his party. It should be clear to all, says he, …
Read More »Race, politics and coronavirus; President Weekes targets T&T’s biggest challenges on Independence Day
“[…] The lead-up to the [2020] election and its immediate aftermath saw political differences couched in vitriolic racist rants, complete with the most foul language. “[…] While some of these exchanges may have taken place at close quarters, social media provided a convenient and safe vehicle from which to launch …
Read More »Salaam: Why we should take President Weekes’ advice and reject partisan politics
“Unite to move country forward,” so said our President Paula-Mae Weekes in her maiden Independence Day message; and in the midst of the closure of Petrotrin’s 100-year-old refinery in Point-a-Pierre, we have no choice but to answer the call as suggested by the President for a unified Trinidad and Tobago. …
Read More »Gilkes: Happy In-Dependence: reviewing 56 years of cynicism and self-hate
Happy birthday Iere; yuh tun 56… which means yuh mature, and with maturity comes reasoning and a clearer understanding of who you are and what you still need to do to reach where you want to go. But that’s when yuh mature, not when yuh eh sure of yuhself, confused as to …
Read More »56 Years, How Yuh Feel? Salaah suggests introspection as we prepare for Independence Day
On Friday August 31st we celebrate our 56th year of Independence. “How allyuh feel?” How allyuh feel we have grown since 1962 Independence and more significantly, the fact that we are getting near to our diamond anniversary—sixty years—a landmark achievement and a symbol of experience and maturity? Are we on the path …
Read More »Master’s Voice: Independence or in dependence? Sledgehammer diplomacy on we birthday
I was once told that I have the diplomacy of a sledgehammer. It was during an online discussion on religion and I was simply presenting the facts as is, with my interpretations; and with the attitude that, if it offends your religious sensibilities, well, hard luck! Get over it! I …
Read More »Salaam: Is Ibis poaching a scarlet feather in T&T’s red, white and black cap?
Have you had some wild meat to eat lately? A little lappe, some gouti, maybe some manicou or guana? How about some tattoo, leatherback turtle or perhaps a little Scarlet Ibis? If you can truthfully answer no that last question, then you’re just not in the game—and Trinidad and Tobago …
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